The word that no homeowner wants to hear when undertaking renovations is ‘asbestos’. Though, the reality is, any home built before 1990 is likely to have asbestos-containing materials – and possibly where you least expect them.

Many flooring products pre-1990 contained asbestos, including vinyl and lino tiles and sheets, and their backing paper, glue, and screeds. These can contain both friable and non-friable asbestos, depending on the product.

Can I Cover Asbestos Floor Tiles?

If your floor tiles are in excellent condition and contain non-friable asbestos, you can get away with covering up asbestos floor tiles with new flooring materials. You are not exposing or adjusting the original flooring in any way, which can reduce the risk of exposure.

However, it’s worth making a note for prospective purchasers in the future that the original layer contains asbestos. They can then make an informed decision about renovations when that day comes.

Is it Safer to Cover or Remove Floor Tiles?

This is a tricky question to answer because there are so many variables. Some flooring types are more dangerous than others when homeowners start making alterations.

Covering Asbestos Flooring

Asbestos vinyl sheet flooring comes in large pieces cut to size to suit your space. It tends to contain an asbestos backing, which is considered friable, or brittle. If you disturb that material, asbestos fibres can be released into the air, posing a considerable health risk.

What’s more, given the friable nature, it requires an expert removalist who has a Class A licence to remove it safely. If the vinyl is in otherwise perfect condition, it can be worth putting new flooring over the top, rather than removing it and increasing the risk of exposure.

Removing Asbestos Flooring

However, given that asbestos-containing materials have not been used in homes for around three decades, you may find that your flooring materials are beginning to show signs of wear and tear. With imperfections in that flooring, putting flooring over the top of it may not be an option.

You then have to consider your choices around removal. Contact your local asbestos testing centre to confirm the presence of asbestos and its type. If it’s non-friable, WorkSafe states that you can remove up to 10m2 of flooring yourself without an asbestos removal company.

In saying that, it can be a complicated process to ensure your safety and that of the people around you. You have to prepare the work area, have dust measures in place, and wear the right protective equipment. You then have to worry about the clean-up efforts and safe disposal of asbestos.

For safety’s sake, it can be in your best interests for a licenced asbestos removal expert to remove any asbestos products.

What Do Asbestos Floor Tiles Look Like?

It can be easy to assume that you can identify asbestos just by looking at the tiles. That’s because there is a misconception that asbestos just looks like plaster dust or even insulation stuffing.

However, asbestos fibres are microscopic. They are not visible to the naked eye, which means you can’t know just by looking at building materials whether they contain it or not. Of course, your home’s era can offer an indication, but 100% accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

Therefore, regardless of the flooring style you have, an asbestos test is the only accurate way to identify its presence.

What to Cover Asbestos Flooring With?

If you have confirmed that asbestos is present in your flooring, and covering it is your best option, then what comes next? You then have to work out what to put over the top of your asbestos flooring.

One thing to keep in mind is the door clearances in surrounding rooms. When you’re not removing a layer, you’re adding extra height to your flooring. You may then need to take some height from your doors or consider your flooring options carefully.

Vinyl Tiles

Vinyl tiles are often a preferred option as they are thin enough to avoid impacting the flooring height. Many people prefer the peel and stick tiles for their variety, cost, and application ease. They also require no work on your flooring to look as pretty as a picture.

Laminate Flooring

One of the most popular options for New Zealand homeowners is laminate floorboards. They are available in a variety of colours and snap together with ease. As long as your asbestos flooring is flat and in perfect condition, laminate flooring can sit over the top beautifully.

Ceramic Tiles

If door clearance is not a problem where you plan on placing new flooring, then ceramic tiles might be a worthwhile option. You can adhere them to your old flooring with a cement-based adhesive without affecting the asbestos materials below. You can also buy them in several thicknesses and styles.

It’s Time to Decide

Realising your home contains asbestos can be devastating for some homeowners. Without knowing how to tackle it, you’re often left wondering whether you’ll be stuck with the same flooring and fixtures forever.

However, there are plenty of options worth your consideration. Start by getting an asbestos test to confirm its presence. You can then decide whether asbestos removal is a better or worse option than covering your flooring. If you’re not sure what to do next, contact an asbestos removal team for help.